The Abingdon Natural Health & Therapy Centre

Meet The Therapists

Abingdon Natural Health & Therapy Centre is home to a range of experienced therapists qualified in various Psychotherapy and Counselling modalities and in Natural Health and Complementary Therapies. All of the therapists working at the centre are insured and accredited so you can rest assured that you are in safe and caring hands. Below you will find information on the therapists and their approach. Please feel free to contact the Centre if you have any further questions or would like to know more.

I am a qualified attachment-based psychoanalytic psychotherapist registered with the UKCP who works relationally. I have over 15 years experience working in mental health and offering psychotherapy and counselling to individuals and couples. I also work with clients under EAPs and work with the national charity MarriageCare. Prior to working as a therapist, I worked as a management consultant and also as a research fellow in Education and Psychiatry. As such, I have a keen understanding of the impact of different environments on mental well-being as well as mental health issues themselves. I have worked in the NHS, private practice and with several charities specialising in a variety of areas such as fostering and adoption, refugees and stroke survivors and their carers. I completed a four year training in attachment-based psychoanalytic therapy in London where I ran a successful practice for over ten years. Since leaving London I have worked in Abingdon, Oxford, Didcot and Witney.

Approach & Specialist AreasAs an attachment-based psychotherapist, I view relationships with others as a key part of human development and growth, and understand that disruptions and difficulties in relationships - in both childhood and adulthood – and feelings of isolation can damage our ability to manage our lives and our selves. These disruptions and difficulties can affect us in a variety of ways of which we may be unaware. My work with clients involves facilitating an understanding of how much of one’s behaviour, and way of relating to others, is influenced by processes linked to such disruptions and difficulties. I consider the therapy to be ‘relational’ in that it is an endeavour in which the therapist and client are both mutually engaged and working together to effect change.

I have developed expertise in working with a range of clients from different cultural and national backgrounds with concerns as diverse as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating problems and abuse as well as emotional difficulties and problems of identity and the self. I also specialise in working with the transition to parenthood and issues around PND.

I use the EFT approach when working with couples. Attachment needs are present throughout the lifespan and viewing the adult couple relationship as an attachment relationship offers a perspective which views the difficulties and disruptions as a consequence of couples struggling to have a good enough, supportive attachment with one another. When a couples’ attachment feels insecure it can result in negative cycles of behaviour which prevent them from communicating and connecting effectively. Working from this perspective, I endeavour to support couples to identify and understand their negative cycles and support them in unlocking the emotions fuelling this negative cycle to facilitate a move to a more secure and supportive attachment and way of relating.

Nicholas Langdon, Psychodynamic Counsellor

I offer short and medium-term individual psychodynamic counselling and where appropriate I incorporate elements from other approaches including; CBT, Person-Centred therapy, Mindfulness and Existential therapy. These approaches provide a framework for a personalised approach which is calm, compassionate and mindful.

I have worked in mental health care over for over 30 years and have experience in providing a safe and confidential therapeutic relationship that offers a balance of support and challenge. We can begin by exploring your past and present difficulties and what your hopes are for the future. The first sessions are valuable for outlining your issues and expectations and to help you to set your agenda, aims and review points. The issues that we can work through include; anxiety, depression, anger, loss, issues with relationships and other complex mental health difficulties.

I completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Practice in 1993 and undertook my own therapy for several years as part of this training. As a member of the BACP and I abide by their codes of ethics and practice. This includes a commitment to continued learning towards further accreditation and regular supervision for my therapeutic work. If you wish to contact me by phone or e-mail, I would be pleased to answer any questions that you may have about counselling and the possibility of working together.M: 07780 382120[email protected]

Dawn Bagwell-Cox, Psychotherapist (CAT)

My name is Dawn Bagwell-Cox. I am a Registered Nurse with 30 years’ experience working with people from all age groups and backgrounds who have mental health problems. I am also a qualified Psychotherapist in Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and have been working as a CAT therapist with adults and young people in the NHS since 2008. I am registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT); I am also a member of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

My experience has been working with people who have a wide range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, childhood trauma and neglect, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, self-harm and other stress related problems. I am available to see private patients, adolescents or adults, during the early evening at the Abingdon Natural Health and Therapy Centre in Abingdon.

CAT uses a collaborative and relational approach towards a person’s difficulties. One of CAT’s great strengths is that it is a time limited therapy which can last from 6 – 24 sessions depending on the focus of the work. The focus and the length of therapy will be negotiated with you and agreed within the first few sessions. Initially I will offer an assessment interview which lasts about an hour, each therapy session is for 50 minutes.

I use various tools in my work specifically letters and the co-creation of a diagram or personal map within sessions. I also use narrative theory and creative imagery in order to assist understanding of individual experiences and problems.

Joan Holt, Couple and Family Therapist

I am a Couple and Family Therapist and Supervisor trained at the Oxford Family Institute and the Tavistock Centre, London. I am bound by the UKCP Code of Conduct and my Registration Number is: 00313376

I have over thirty years experience of working therapeutically within the NHS, Education and Social Services helping couples and families manage emotional and communication difficulties associated with loss, trauma, family disruption, neurological problems and ill health, including mental health. I previously worked for many years as a Relate counsellor and supervisor.

The main focus of my work is with relationships, so whether you come on your own, with a partner or with your whole family my aim is to facilitate communication between you and improve understanding of each other’s positions. I take ‘family’ to describe any group of people who define themselves as such and am happy to work with whoever you identify as important to you.

I work collaboratively with young people and adults of all ages and aim to provide a calm space where differing thoughts and feelings can be safely explored. I believe that people can gain strength through change alongside others and that my job as a therapist is to support and assist that change.

I acknowledge the importance of people’s different beliefs, cultures, contexts and life experiences and will adapt my way of working according to family members’ ages, needs, resources and preferences.

Attendance at the first session does not oblige you to continue to meet with me. Together we will clarify your goals and expectations of therapy and if you decide that Systemic Couple & Family Therapy is not what you need I will help you think about alternatives. For couples and families I prefer our first meeting to be for 90 minutes. Subsequent sessions will last an hour unless you request otherwise.

Decisions about the number of sessions, frequency and duration of therapy, also which family members to attend, will be agreed together.

Please call me to discuss what therapy you are looking for or to arrange an appointment: Tel: 0787 9822 880 or email me on [email protected]

Adele Swift, Psychosexual and Relationship Counsellor

Adele is a psychosexual and relationship counsellor who works with individuals and couples. Adele works with clients with a range of sexual and relationship problems including erectile dysfunction, pain during sex, loss of desire, sexual identity, sex and ageing and issues that arise from life changing events such as the arrival of children. Adele works with clients to improve their communication style, increase understanding of themselves and their partner whilst always bearing in mind the interplay between the two areas of sexual function and good relationships.

Before her career as a counsellor, Adele gained a degree in business and spent 20 years working in the commercial world. Following this, Adele took a total change in direction, studying for her Post Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, and following her passion for helping people with relationship and personal problems.

Beth Roberts, Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor

I am a warm and compassionate integrative counsellor, registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, who is passionate about helping people live a more enjoyable, meaningful and authentic life. Being an integrative counsellor means that I can use a range of methods to help you depending on your personality and situation. One of the central principles of my therapy is that I believe you hold the answers within yourself and I help you to find those answers. Other tried and tested methods include:

• Exploring the ‘here and now’ in the therapy room to pick up patterns and feelings• Supporting people to integrate body and mind as too often the two are not working together and this can have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing• Exploring transactions in relationships• Working creatively (for instance with art, stories or objects) to increase self-awareness and expression• As I am also a personal performance coach, I can work in a very goal orientated way if appropriate.

In addition to working in Abingdon I work in private practice at Banbury Therapy Centre. I volunteer for a low-cost counselling service and for Sanctuary Housing with young people. I have also volunteered for a counselling service for survivors of sexual abuse. I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and regularly undertake Continuing Professional Development to ensure I am up to date and progressive with my practice.

I have special expertise working with depression, anxiety, bereavement, loss, women’s issues, relationship issues, issues at work including stress, abuse, low self-esteem, young people’s issues (16+), identity, infertility and trauma. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked for many years in human resources so I have a great understanding of workplace stress and special insight should you be looking for a new career. It has also contributed to my passion for personal development both for myself and others.

I understand that looking for counselling can be daunting so I like to be as helpful as I can be as you go through the process of choosing a counsellor. Please feel free to phone (07967 633126) or email [email protected] with any questions. You can also visit my website: www.takiriwellbeing.co.uk. I offer both long term and short-term counselling and evening as well as daytime appointments may be possible.

I am a qualified Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist registered with the Complementary Natural Healthcare Council. I qualified in 2007 specialising in anxiety related issues. I trained with The Clifton Practice in Bristol and have ran a successful practice in Oxford, Abingdon and Bampton since 2012.Approach & Specialist AreasAs a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist, I don’t delve into the past. We see the person having a set of resources and help them to move towards their goal. Along the way I may introduce other areas of therapy such as Mindfulness, NLP or CBT. My work covers a broad spectrum, from Phobias where we help people to scramble the initial response to the feared object, through to Sports Hypnosis using visualisation to achieve higher goals. I work with clients as young as 9 to overcome fears and phobias, up to 99. Confidence building, helping overcome physical problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, anxiety after an illness or operation, pain management after accidents, or for childbirth. I see positivity and laughter an integral part of the healing process. Hypnosis is ideal for helping stop habits such as Smoking, and to change our response to emotional eating so we gain better control over diet and weight.I am a trained Supervisor and trainer and offer one to one or group supervision with Hypnotherapists from all over the country, and occasional CPD on a variety of subjects.Training & QualificationsBA(hons) Oxford Brookes – including PsychologyHPD Hypnotherapy Practitioners DiplomaSFBT (Hyp)CBT (Hyp)SFBTSUP – for supervision with NCH & AfSFHIntegrated Medicine – College of MedicineCPDs include: Working with children, Hypnotherapy for childbirth, Science behind Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Pain Management, Nutrition therapy, DBT, EMDR, BWRT, Training, Coaching & Mentoring.

Rebecca Johns, Integrative Counsellor

The power of being heard in the counselling process is profoundly powerful and can set the foundation for changes to take place where you seek them. I work integratively to create a supportive atmosphere enabling your truth to unfold and lead to positive changes in your life. I work with many issues including anxiety, depression, relationships troubles and grief. Integration of techniques allows for sessions to be flexible depending on the issues presented ranging from person centred to cognitive behavioural techniques.

Philippa Spits, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

Life can be tough sometimes. You may have experienced a major trauma or bereavement. Perhaps you are feeling anxious, experiencing relationship problems, or feeling low or depressed. Or possibly just feeling ‘not quite’ yourself. At times like these it can be helpful to talk to someone. I offer a warm, friendly, compassionate, safe and confidential space to explore what is happening in your life at the moment.

In addition to private practice I have worked with Oxford Cruse (two years), Butterflies Family Centre in Swindon (two years), and am currently working at the Newbury Family Counselling Service and am on placement with the Oxford Therapy Centre (OTS). I have worked with a wide range of issues including bereavement, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, abuse, work difficulties, suicide, illness and with carers. I offer both long term and short-term counselling.

“When you give yourself time and space to be heard and when someone truly listens, talking can help you feel coherent, whole, alive, valued and connected.” (Patricia DeYoung)

Professional Qualifications Diploma in Integrative and Humanistic Counselling (Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling) (BCPC)(UKCP & BACP accredited)Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (BCPC)(UCKP & BACP accredited)Qualified member of UKCP & BACPPost-Graduate Certificate in Psychodynamic Therapy, Oxford UniversityBACP Level 5 Certificate in Counselling Children and Young People (BCPC)

Hannah Venn, Sports Massage Therapist

Since qualifying in 2015, I have taken on many opportunities to widen my knowledge of the human anatomy and its dysfunctions. I have worked with both Oxford City FC Mens and women’s teams, gaining a vast amount of knowledge and understanding of the common injuries in football and the best way to treat them. I now work with Fairford Town FC and have been there for 3 seasons.

Aside from this, I am currently studying Physiotherapy at Oxford Brookes University and have just finished my first year. I also work as a Rehabilitation Assistant in the day-to-day rehabilitation of clients with acquired brain injuries (ABIs). But of course, I have my own private sports therapy clients too! Completing the BSc Sports Therapy degree definitely gave me great foundations, but getting out into the wider community and as many fields as possible has aided my understanding greatly

Janice Nicholls, Complementary Therapist

Janice is an Aromatherapist, Essential Oil Educator, Parenting Advocate, Spiritual Teacher and Holistic Wellness Coach. She loves sharing her knowledge and empowering others to find natural solutions for everyday health; this is her passion.

Janice's therapeutic journey started when she discovered the power of essential oils and how they offered so much more than just physical healing. Janice's therapies include: Aromatherapy, Massage Therapy, Bowen Technique, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Indian Head Massage, Mindfulness, Reiki and Reflexology.

She has learnt to value that healing is her own responsibility and that through her 10 step Harmonizing Coaching model, based on principles of confidence, stress management, soul and emotional wellbeing, that we can all live a meaningful, healthy and deeply nourished life.

Janice lives in Abingdon and has five children and four grandchildren. When she's not working she enjoys reading motivational books, early morning swimming and walking in Nature. She loves travelling to the US to see her daughter and grandchildren. She is currently working on her new website 'Seasons of Change'.

Please feel free to email Janice at [email protected] for more information or to book.

Benjamin Hill, Psychotherapist

Psychotherapy is a journey. It is different for each one of us. We begin to look carefully and honestly at ourselves. In time, feelings surface and are freed. We change. We come to therapy when something is too painful to bear. A crisis: loss, death, a failing relationship, trauma. Sometimes there isn’t anything clear. We’re not feeling alive, we’re unhappy, purposeless, lonely, or frightened. Seeking help is an expression of hope for something better. Shifting our energy toward change is important.

My name is Ben and I offer depth psychotherapy in Abingdon and Oxford. The Psychotherapy I offer provides time and space to investigate any material that is important for you. We will gradually build a relationship and using this as a vehicle we can explore how you relate to others and the world around you. As part of this work there will be an emphasis on present moment experience and an exploration of sensations, thoughts, emotions, words, and images that seem important. These experiences provide a gateway for you to become aware of habitual ways of seeing the world. This awareness is an important part in the process of change. To support you in this exploration I will endeavour to provide a safe, warm space and offer kind encouragement as your process unfolds. I will welcome whatever emerges in our work together and offer reflection if it feels appropriate. This work tends to be longer term, as it seeks to address deeply rooted tendencies and patterns and bring about lasting transformation. In this work I draw on over 10 years personal experience of helping people in difficulty, my own journey through therapy, and on my personal meditation practise.

I am in the fourth year of a Master’s Degree Training programme at the Karuna Institute, having completed a foundation training in 2016. I belong to the Humanistic and Integrative College of UKCP where I’m registered as a psychotherapist in training. I abide by the UKCP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Principles. I carry full professional indemnity insurance and as part of complying with data protection law I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. I warmly invite you to email me using [email protected] or call on 07395 876 287

John Bristow, Integrative Counsellor Dip.Couns, SAC.Dip - MBACP

I offer out of hours counselling - evenings and weekends only. Trained as both an integrative Counsellor and in addictions, I am able to offer private therapy that encompasses many modalities, tailored to suit the individual.

My work is based on a core foundation of person centred counselling, valuing the individual and having a belief that they themselves know what is best for them. That they have the strength and skills within to actuate change in their lives. Person centred counselling can help the client find and draw on those strengths we all have as human beings. Alongside this core model I may bring in ideas from other theories. The might include some psycho-dynamic work, existential ideas, some CBT or perhaps some addiction counselling that is a little more directive. As much as each individual person is different and their situation unique, my practise is bespoke with the client fully in mind.

Jeannina Chiarella, Holistic Therapist, BSc Psychology

I’m a certified holistic therapist. I believe that the body, mind and spirit are all connected. I apply my knowledge trying to find the best way to help people heal naturally. I use holistic therapies to help people relieve any tension and blockages from their bodies; using psychology to be able to understand, help and guide my clients.

I offer Reiki as a therapy to remove emotional blockages that can be manifested in different parts of our body generating physical tensions and pain. Reiki helps to relieve depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and aligns your chakras. Crystal-Reiki is another therapy which is the combination of Reiki and crystals. I use crystals to amplify energy which have specific vibrations and purpose. Sound therapy is a wonderful healing therapy. I use crystal bowl and Tibetan singing bowl for the sessions. Sound therapy is a vibrational medicine which travels inside the body relieving chronic pain, stress, depression, and balances your chakras. These vibrations harmonize your chakras and your body, vibrating in a healthy frequency.

Derek Collins, Doctor of Naturopathy

I am a qualified Doctor of Naturopathy offering a holistic approach to the treatment of the body. I offer Remedial massage; Remedial Exercise, Diet & Nutrition; Sports Injury Treatment (Remedial Therapy); Pressure Points; Relaxation and Meditation; Chakra Healing and Reiki. I have over 30 years experience working holistically with the body.

My first interest in healing began in the 1960’s when I was practicing Judo. Since then I have completed training in healing, Naturopathy, Reiki & Seichim healing. I have been a full time therapist since 1992 and have been running my own clinics since then. As a naturopath I believe that the body’s own healing force actually cures! My job here is to get you to a position were it can do so, this means I look at a total holistic picture of your ailments and will use any of the natural therapies or any combination of the natural therapies that I practice to get you back to health. I provide treatments for: Acute & chronic ailments, repetitive strain injuries, aches & pains in muscles and joints, any injury, stress headaches, migraines, trapped nerves, tension stiffness, fatigue, insomnia, wellness and pampering.